Historic artifacts beneath future library site?

Work is underway on the new Downtown Fort Myers Library, but some archaeologists are concerned crews are digging up history without even knowing it.

Soon the backhoes will give way to books. It's the start of a new chapter for the five-acre plot along Lee Street.

The stretch between First and Second streets has a history that stretches back more than 150 years, back to when soldiers stomped the grounds of what is now downtown.

"It was originally built in 1850 as a Seminole War fort and was also used during the Civil War," Matt Johnson, Ft. Myers Director of Cultural and Historic Affairs, said. "It was a Union fort during the Civil War even though Florida was a Confederate state."

Enlisted men lived on the library site and there were officers' quarters. Local historians believe remnants of that history could still be buried.

"It's within the grounds, and it's entirely possible that something would be found there," Johnson said. "As historians, we're obviously concerned and we want to make sure that if there is anything of significance found we're here to be able to interpret and display it."

Dr. Annette Snapp with Florida Public Archaeology Network wants a chance to dig beneath the surface, something she thinks the city overlooked by not consulting archaeologists.

"That's what archeologists are doing, they're looking at things that have been left behind by people. We don't realize it, but often times those things are right below our feet," Snapp said.

Johnson points out that with tight budgets and reduced staff, a full archaeological evaluation is not always feasible.

In an email to County Commissioner Frank Mann, Library Director Sheldon Kaye mentioned the site has been dug up several times before and it was "unlikely" significant archeological artifacts would be found.

Snapp says she doesn't want to hold up the project. Kaye pointed out in the same email delaying construction would cost about $6,000/day.

However, Snapp sees an opening when crews peel back the pavement to resurface a new parking lot for the library.

"It would be the perfect opportunity, once you've exposed that ground surface, for an archeological group to come in," Snapp said.

Johnson says the odds of finding something large are very small.

"If there is anything found, my expectations would be small things buttons, cannon mini balls, those sorts of things," Johnson said.

On the phone Tuesday, Deputy Library Director Terri Crawford told NBC2 crews are being very careful and will hand over any artifacts they may find.